This camera is one of the most impressive inspection tools available to the public.

It allows you to gain a competitive advantage if applying thermal imaging to your business.

The clear MSX thermal images are second to none; this camera clearly reveals energy outputs of all kinds.

The powerful cost-effective design makes using this imager easy and efficient. Multiple resolutions are available, but the most inexpensive model has an 80 x 60 IR resolution output.

This is pretty good for the price. MSX technology means that you will have access to multi-spectral dynamic imaging that will emboss digital camera details on the thermal images in real time.

This allows you to see exceptional clarity on a thermal scale. If you are using this thermal image recorder to assist you in your line of work, the MSX allows you to easily see exactly where a thermal issue is taking place.

You will even be able to see fine textures, numbers, letters, and other important details. This allows for more efficient problem identification without compromising radiometric data in any way.

Users could potentially conduct a detailed analysis and reach a conclusion in seconds. Other features include Wifi for fast and simple sharing, a simple and user-friendly design, and an impressive warranty that covers the detector for 10-years.

If you are a professional in an industry that necessitates thermal imaging, this is a great option.

The E4 is the most inexpensive option in this FLIR model lineup.

On the downside, the E4 is also the lowest resolution camera in the lineup. While the E4 has 80 x 60 resolution, the E8 has quadruple the resolution at 320 x 240.

Additionally, the E4 only detects readings as low as -15°C. Comparatively, the E6 can reach -6°C.

Still, for the price, you get quite a lot. The FLIR E4 would be a good option for anyone wanting very dependable FLIR thermal imager at a lower than usual price.

Simple to use – The focus-free lens and easy button navigation make this camera an extremely user-friendly option. imaging modes, measurement tools, and saved JPEGS add to the convenience of this FLIR brand camera.

Technologically advanced – This camera connects to Wifi from anywhere, meaning that sharing images and sending reports from a smart device is easier than ever.

Lengthy warranty – The impressive warranty covers the detector for 10-years, the battery for 5 years, and the parts and labor for 2-years.

Professional grade top-tier product – This camera is a premium option from FLIR and is part of the E series lineup which ranges from E4 to E8.

Cons

Expensive – For the price, you may be able to find an off-brand option that does nearly as much for half of the price.

Software bugs – At the time of this review, some users reported bugs in the software of this camera.

Verdict: If you’re on the market for a name brand thermal imaging camera with all of the bells and whistles for less than the most premium options available, this would be a good choice. It’s the least expensive model in its top-tier lineup and has an extremely efficient design. The MSX imaging, Wi-Fi connectivity, helpful user features, and warranty make this a solid choice for a wide range of industry professionals. On the flip side, this camera is the least impressive in its respective lineup. Additionally, it has a few reported software issues and is still pretty pricey compared to many other brands.

No handle – This thermal imaging and visible light camera does not have a gripping pole or handle of any kind.

Verdict: If you need something small, efficient, easy to use, and dependable, this is a great option. It would work well for a wide range of industrial or recreational applications. It also is easy to share images quickly with this device. The only disadvantage is the absence of a handle. While the device fits easily in a bag or pocket, the lack of handle can make it somewhat awkward to aim at targets when trying to register thermal readings from far away. Still, the price is right and for the smart and reliable design makes this a good option for many users.

High-resolution – The 220 x 160 resolution allows you to get a great view of infrared imagery.

Easy to hold and grip – This lightweight device is easy to hold and aim.

Cons

Device compatibility issues – This camera is not compatible with older computers; you’ll want to have updated software.

Verdict: If you need a professional grade thermal imager that’s lightweight, easy to use, and good for a wide range of applicable tasks, this is an option that may be well worth your consideration. The color scale settings are particularly nice and sharing is easy and fast. On the other hand, if you have an older computer that runs on anything older than Windows 7, you may have issues with image sharing. As far as value goes, this is one of the better options when it comes to price. This is especially true when you compare this camera to some of the high-end options that function almost identically and are priced at almost twice as much.

Verdict: If you need a simple and easy to use thermal imager for a low price, this is a solid option. It’s uncomplicated, durable, reliable, and hassle-free. On the other hand, it’s pretty basic, battery operated, has a low-resolution output, and limited color operation modes. Still, for many people, this is a great option. It is capable of getting the job done well enough without hurting your bank account.

This device allows you to solve two purchasing problems at once. For the same price that you may be able to get a thermal camera or a smartphone alone, you can get both combined into one impressive and compact, multifunctional device!

This is a quality product built by the long-time trusted and industrially approved CAT brand.

Operating in the same way that many smartphones do, this device runs using an Android operating system.

It’s fast, powerful, and extremely efficient. Did we mention that it’s waterproof?

This phone can be submerged in up to 5 meters of water for around 60 minutes using a unique Lockdown Switch.

It’s also super durable in other ways. For instance, this smartphone is drop-proof to up to 1.8m and also has been reinforced with a strengthened die-cast frame.

It exceeds even most military-grade specifications. On top of all of that, the 13 MP autofocus rear camera and 5 MP front camera both function immaculately.

The video capabilities range all the way up to 30fps and 1080P. That doesn’t even include the new thermal reading capabilities.

This is the only smartphone to integrate a FLIR camera into its design.

It can pick up heat signatures and surface temperatures from up to 100 feet. You’ll be able to use it to see through obscurants such as smoke, water, and more. The huge screen is another awesome bonus.

On the downside, this device is pretty heavy and somewhat bulky for a smartphone.

In fact, the weight and bulky design are a big enough deterrent that many people won’t consider using this device.

Still, when you think of what a smartphone feels like in a case, this option makes sense. It’s no larger than most smartphones in a weatherproof exterior protective casing.

Actually, it’s smaller than some phones when inside of their cases.

This is a rugged and reliable smartphone that doubles as a thermal imager. It showcases a smart and original design.

Pros

Waterproof – Water proof up to 5 meters for up to an hour.

Smartphone – A smartphone and thermal imager all in one, this is a versatile and ergonomic option.

Versatile – Great for a wide range of applications, both industrial and recreational.

Rugged – The durable and rugged design make this a reliable option.

Unique – This is one of, if not the only, waterproof FLIR imager that doubles as an Android smart device.

Cons

Bulky – This phone is a bit heavier and bulkier than other smartphones.

Verdict: If you want a thermal imaging smartphone that masters ergonomic efficiency, this is a great choice. Alternatively, if you need a built-in smartphone thermal imager with a very large screen, this is a good option. It’s an efficient smartphone thermal camera combination that’s also totally waterproof. We particularly like this phone’s originality and impressive, easy to use design. It’s a great choice for people in many different lines of work.

It also offers multiple color modes for viewing. The enhanced resolution and processing gives you an in-depth perspective that many more expensive cameras can’t offer.

It allows you to turn the smartphone that you already own into a professional grade thermal camera. The application that it works with is also pretty impressive.

It’s fast, user-friendly, and free. While most cameras cost more because they are attached to a viewing LCD screen, this camera cuts out that particular expense.

You get all of the pro-grade capabilities without having to pay extra for a screen that isn’t even a good as most smartphone screens anyway.

The FLIR FLIR ONE Pro LT gives users FLIR ONE Pro LT. It also is separately charged so it won’t drain the battery life of your phone.

On the downside, if your smartphone has a case, this camera requires an extender. This camera also could have better resolution in our opinion.

Pros

Easy to use – The camera and application for your phone are both easy to use.

Saves money – This camera attaches to your smartphone and uses its screen. Since you aren’t purchasing a full camera with a screen, you may well end up saving money.

Powerful – This is a more powerful camera than many other cameras in the same price range that include attached screens.

FLIR one Android USB-C – These features make it a versatile option for many smart devices.

Cons

Mid-range resolution – It is not as good as many other professional grade cameras. The resolution pales in comparison to many of the high-end professional thermal imagers out there.

An extender may be needed – If you have a phone case on your smartphone, you will need an extended in order to attach this camera.

Verdict: For anyone who has a smartphone and wants it to be able to capture thermal images accurately, this is a good option. It’s powerful, reliable, accurate, easy to use, and may save you money. On the other hand, this camera doesn’t have the resolution we would like to have seen. Still, the application that it comes with is free and user-friendly and it won’t drain your phone’s battery. Just remember, if you have a phone case that shouldn’t be removed, you’ll want to get a USB-C extender. It would be a great option for recreational use. For professional use, we feel like a camera with better resolution may be required. With that being said, compared to many other similar accessory smartphone cameras, the FLIR ONE PRO LT is one of the nicest options available.

It’s ideal for use inside and close range outside. You can detect thermal energy images from up to 1000-feet away.

The Seek Thermal Compact Imager also has a detectable temperature range of -40ºF to +626ºF. It can help you pinpoint energy loss, find insulation gaps, identify areas where heat is excessively draining, find overheated circuitry, and more.

The compact and focusable lens allows you to fine-tune the thermal images you’re looking at. This device also comes with a pocket-sized waterproof carrying case.

This is a great device for contractors, professional traders, inspectors, structural auditors, and other DIY home renovation purposes.

This would not be the best tool for electricians or other industry professionals. It would work in a pinch but is not as good as some of the other options that are out there. It also isn’t ideal for iPhones.

Pros

Focus lens – You can focus the lens of this camera for a precise view of thermal images.

Compact – A compact and lightweight design lets you take this small camera anywhere.

Good value – This is an inexpensive option with more power than other devices in its price range.

Cons

Not pro-grade – this is not the best option for professional grade use.

Not for iPhone – This camera glitches with Apple devices.

Verdict: If you want to use your Android device for thermal imaging but don’t want to spend a ton of money, this is a great option that’s well worth considering. The focusable lens and easy to use design make it great for just about anyone. While it isn’t designed for professional or industrial use, it does a great job identifying all sorts of thermal issues. It’s great for DIY home projects, recreational use, and more. This product doesn’t work well with iOS iPhone operating systems.

This is a professional grade thermal imaging camera that comes at a pretty decent value when compared to some of the other thermal imagers on the market with similar capabilities. It has many impressive features that make it a candidate for industrial use. The visual image and infrared heat mapping blend together for identification of the exact locations of potential issues in construction and electrical wiring. It features markers for center-point temperature identification so that you can get cold and hot spots marked easily.

It also sports a compact almost pocket-sized design for easy carrying and storage. Speaking of storage, this infrared viewing camera comes with a soft case for travel. You can carry it in your tool bag if your pockets are a bit too small. The intuitive interface is another impressive feature, It gets to work as soon as you turn it on, the SmartView reporting software lets you create custom reports for the fast documentation of any findings that you make. An alignment option lets you find targets easily and keep the camera steadily focused. It’s also easy to operate with gloves on with large easy to use buttons. It also gives you a 28° x 28° field of view for tight spaces, includes near and far modes that align visible light and thermal lenses from as close as 15 cm away, comes with alarms to alert you to values outside of the expected range, and includes an SD card. Visible temperature ranges are -10°C to +250°C.

Pros

Professional grade – This camera has all of the features and design specifications needed for professional or industrial use.

Easy to hold – the large and easy to hold handle makes this a good option for workers on-the-go.

Professional software – The reporting and analysis software included makes tracking and reporting that much easier.

Case included – This easy to store and carry compact thermal imager also comes with a soft carrying case.

Good value – For the price, you get a professional product with many features that other similarly priced devices don’t offer.

Cons

More expensive – This imager is more expensive than many other options available.

Software bugs – At the time of this report, there were a few bugs mentioned in the software that had users frustrated.

Verdict: If you need a professional grade thermal imaging camera with many helpful features that will give you extremely reliable readings with great temperature variation, this is a good option worth considering. It comes at a fair value and gives you more than many similar products in the same price range. On the downside, it’s more expensive than many other products out there. It also has a few bugs that have been reported in the data analysis software (at the time of this review). All in all, a great thermal imager that is suited for professional use with many extras and a bonus carrying case.

Anyone looking for an extremely powerful and compact thermal imager should probably take the time to check out this impressive little device. It offers 4800-pixel image capturing and great accuracy all in a portable and easy to use device. The imaging system also includes a lanyard, charger, USB cable, and the latest FLIR software. The professional reporting software makes data analysis easier for professionals.

This is a full-featured thermal imaging camera that’s pocket-sized and ready whenever you are. You’ll be able to easily find hidden heat patterns, energy waste areas, structural defects, and more. It’s an awesome option for contractors, surveyors, and other repair specialists, who don’t want to spend a fortune and need a compact camera that works well. The readings are very accurate and the camera gives you real-time imaging so you can look for issues quickly and efficiently. It’s sensitive as well, with a detector that captures subtle temperature differences and thermal patterns that you wouldn’t have otherwise noticed. The MSX enhancement is another bonus. FLIR’s unique MSC adds key details by utilizing the onboard visible light camera. You get an undiluted thermal picture with all of the visible light features needed to see problematic areas instantly. You can also stream video using the USB cord that comes with this thermal imaging system. While this system is great for many industrial applications, it could have better resolution. Higher resolution cameras are available in this price range, though they aren’t nearly as portable as the FLIR C2 Compact Thermal Imaging System.

Pros

Compact design – The compact nature of this imaging system makes it very easy to transport and carry.

Accurate – This is a fast and accurate thermal imaging camera.

Image capture – You’ll be able to capture up to 500 radiometric images with this device at around 4800 pixels with thermal measurements from 14ºF to 302ºF.

Cons

Could have better Resolution – We feel that for the price, the resolution could be better.

Verdict: If you need an extremely portable thermal imaging system with image post analysis software, this is a good option. It’s fast, efficient, easy to use, and easy to carry. The only disadvantage that we have found is the resolution. We would have liked to see stronger resolution output ratings for the price. Other than that, this imaging system would be a good option for any number of industrial or construction applications.

Best Thermal Imaging Cameras Buyer’s Guide

What should you consider when choosing a thermal imaging camera?

When you’re looking for a thermal imaging camera, there are quite a few things that you’ll want to consider.

Taking the time to decide exactly what you’re looking for can save you time, money, and hassle later on down the road.

Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you purchase a thermal imaging device.

• What application will your thermal imager serve?

Thermal imaging systems can be used for a variety of applications.

Will you be surveying fires? Cave exploring? Do you plan on hunting or researching wildlife?

You’ll want to answer these questions for yourself before looking for a thermal imaging camera.

A camera that would work amazingly for finding animals in the woods at night would not necessarily be the best candidate for identifying issues within an HVAC system.

Some cameras are versatile and multifunctional, but if you will be using your thermal imaging camera in an industrial environment, you’ll need a certain set of features.

• What is your price range?

Thermal imaging cameras vary greatly in prices.

You can get an attachment for your smartphone that will cost you near to nothing and serve as a fun tool to identify heat signatures or purchase tactical thermal imagers that ca spot anomalies from over 1000 feet away that will cost around ten times more.

Knowing your budget can save you from suffering buyer’s remorse after choosing a camera that’s either too expensive or not quite nice enough.

• Do you need analytical software?

Professional grade thermal imaging systems will frequently come with analytical software that can give you precise readings when plugged into a computer or sometimes even on a display screen that’s included with a camera’s onboard design.

This software can mean that a camera will cost more, so if you don’t need it, you may want to opt for a device with no additional software.

However, for professionals in many different industries, this data collection and projection software is critical to the proper gathering of important heat analysis information

• What temperature ranges will you be working with?

These cameras can be used in a variety of situations and can read different temperature signatures.

While some cameras can read temperatures in the extreme negatives, other cameras only detect temperature ranges that are mild. The rating capabilities will speak volumes toward the overall accuracy of a thermal imaging camera.

• How long will you be using your device?

If you are taking a quick look at some wiring to figure out where something is overheating, you won’t need much in the way of balance or stability in your camera. If, however, you will be taking complete readings for analytical purposes, you’ll need to consider how long you’ll be holding your camera. A heavy thermal imager with no handle can be a hassle to hold at arm’s length for an extended period of time.

Can a thermal imager detect water leaks?

Yes. Thermal imagers can detect complex heat signatures.

In areas where water has been leaking, clear temperature indicators are almost always present.

In fact, many plumbers and similar industrial professionals rely on heat sensitive imaging to detect leaks and leak locations at a distance.

Thermal imaging cameras can also detect other areas of heat loss like structural abnormalities, water damage, drafty spots, and more.

What can a thermal imaging camera see through?

What a thermal camera can see through will depend on the camera itself, the heat source, and the surrounding situation.

Thermal cameras generally read radiation and represent it as an image based on the collected outputs. This means that cameras can see hot and cold signatures based on the strength of the output based on the temperatures of the target and surrounding object temperatures.

The radiation signatures of the objects nearby and the target are important factors that will affect what can be seen.

If the temperatures differ greatly between the target and the surrounding object(s), there will be an obvious heat signature difference creating a “see through” effect which directly correlates to the temperature of both objects.

Animals walking through the woods, for instance, are visible as they travel through the trees, but not as they disappear behind thick barriers like stumps or large rocks.

Similarly, wiring will be visible with an open electrical panel, but a closed metal panel will be harder to see through. If the heat is seeping through, a thermal camera will be able to see it. If the heat is blocked, a thermal imager won’t be able to detect it.

How exactly do these cameras work?

Thermal imaging cameras work by utilizing a special lens that detects infrared light emitted by objects. Essentially all objects emit some amount of infrared light. The focused light is then scanned by a phased array of infrared-detecting components. These detecting components create a detailed temperature pattern by the name of a thermogram.

How are infrared night vision cameras different?

There are a few main differenced between infrared cameras and night vision cameras. They contain vastly different detected frequency ranges as well as different mechanical components, for one.

Thermal cameras use radiation to detect far-infrared signatures on the spectrum. IR or night vision cameras use light at a much higher frequency of the near infrared area.

The components used within the devices to translate this information vary as well.